Keeping Your Corduroy Fabric Current

That 70’s show reminds us how the trends of the disco era are still alive and kicking. One of my memories from the junior high closet, is the multi colored array of cords that would come out every time the weather changed to winter blues. As so many of those childhood reminiscent fashion trends, here come those cords back around. 

Although, corduroy is not known to be the most flattering fabrics out there, it’s pretty much a staple in every teen girl’s repetoire. It’s rough, thick, bulky, and not slimming in the least. Even more, it’s been considered the poor man’s velvet from the time it was introduced in the 1700s.  

But, that’s the downside, the good news is that it can be a great alternative to the blue jeans. And once worn over and over it can become oh-so-comfortable.  

These days, the “Cord” is taking the fashion runways by storm with it’s seventies flare and rich hues. So how do you wear this fabric so it’s flattering and current? If you think about it, why not have a selection of corduroy pants in the closet to throw on with your trusty knit sweater ? 

It does not have to be restricted to a winter wardrobe when there are numerous brands who have been making corduroy shorts and mini skirts for some time now. OP definitely was not afraid to bring back their classic cord shorts. And plenty of other popular brands to follow including Patagonia, Guess, etc. Recently on the Fall/Winter 2020 Gucci runway as well.

Here are my tips:

1. Instead of wearing corduroy in a neutral color, keep it bold, like this jewel tone.

A snazzy corduroy button down suit with a modern floral or paisley printed blouse can certainly turn an eye in the workplace. 

With new twists, there are cords in every style and color in not only pants but jackets, skirts and even denim style shirts. It is a great look for a cord skirt outfit with black thigh high or snazzy knee high knit socks. For the question of cord on cord or denim on denim, it has been an on and off trend like many others. 

Kareena Kapoor Khan showed up all denim jumpsuit, an affordable version mind you, from H & M. We have seen corduroy dresses, jumpsuits, two piece pants suits popping up in NYC Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2019 as featured in the how to wear corduroy in 2019 from Vogue Jr.  Even spotted corduroy on denim. Which is the name of the game in most current fashion, that it’s always an ecclectic mix of past hit throwbacks with new fabric and accessory twists.

2. Choose a wide “wale” instead of a pinstripe skirt or pants.

The corduroy fashion trend includes fresh takes on the fabric itself as the brands add stretch, new weights, size of the wale, new dyes, washed and brushed versions for new outfit ideas. Using the contrast of different sized wales even in the same hue is a fun mashup.

The fun part is that the corduroy itself is already an interesting pattern, so it’s a good time to break out that favorite clean black and white top or beloved cashmere sweater. French Designer, Isabel Marant made a statement with his  high waisted, light pink corduroy pencil skirt. 

3. Wear it bulky on purpose–wide legs on a pair of trousers gives it that retro, street style, lived-in feel we’re loving right now.

 In which case don’t be afraid to pair it with a fitted, body hugging top or a neutral light brown leather jacket. Maybe even a silky bra top for sexy combo. Like this fav from Cami NYC, racer silk charmeuse camisole with lace. 

I feel great when I have something silky on top and more fabric on the bottom. Cords are not at all only in the seventies, bell bottom flare shape but have been modernized with the high waist, ankle high crop as well as skin tight stretch versions.

4. Pair with wild patterns, neutral hues, and confidence.

Mix and match textures and prints are always a win. I especially love the built in “hard” lines on corduroy mixed with soft flowing blousy lines as contrast. For example, this fun Marc Jacobs take on the Velveteen shirt jacket in fuscia. 

Fashion trends include yet another offspring of corduroy/denim, chambray in full suit versions. Then there’s velveteen considered a modernized version of corduroy, adding softness and stretch for comfort. And then add in that butter soft camel colored ankle length cardigan with belt. This super soft one is by Just Fab.

Cardigan: Just Fab | Shirt: Lovers + Friends | Bodysuit: I.AM.GIA | Pants: House of Harlow 1960

Corduroy can easily pass for either casual or nowadays a work suit with the many new takes on the fabric quality and blends. So unlike the rougher texture of the original fabric, in current manufacturing, the cord has been elevated to a plush, softer and much more comfortable feel that is showing up all over in current design.

Yet another instance where street style finds it way into high fashion, where casual and comfy can be dressed up for work, and as almost all current trends, the versatility of yesteryear fabrics rule.

Don’t forget that corduroy can also be fashionable for the man in your life, handbags, shoes and even furniture!

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